Risk level(s)

Bolivia - Exercise a high degree of caution

Travel Health Notice - Zika virus

The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued advice for travellers on the Zika virus, recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Bolivia. See Health for more information.

Safety and security

Safety and security

Los Yungas region

In the Chapare area between Santa Cruz and Cochabamba and in Los Yungas region, northeast of La Paz, violence, carjackings and civil unrest, mainly associated with drug trafficking, pose risks. In the departments of Beni, Pando andSanta Cruz, there is a high police presence due to the increase in drug-related crimes.

Border with Peru

The situation is tense in areas along Bolivia’s border with Peru.

Lake Titicaca

Disputes between local communities on Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca have caused disruptions to transportation along the popular tourist route between Copacabana and Isla del Sol. If you plan to travel to Isla del Sol, be sure to carry extra food and water. Expect significant travel delays.

Crime

Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, is common in large cities. Robbery and assaults occur at tourist destinations and foreigners are frequently targeted by thieves.

Be especially careful when walking around tourist areas in La Paz, such as Sagarnaga Street, the Church ofSan Francisco vicinity and historic Jaén Street, and when hiking in the areas surrounding La Paz, such as the Muela del Diablo.

Remain in large groups and only join tours organized by reputable tour operators when travelling near Rurrenabaque in the Bolivian Andes, in Los Yungas and on the Inca trails.

Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times.

Common criminal strategies

Organized robbery occurs. Criminals operating in groups will distract victimsby staging a fight, starting a conversation, offering help, blocking a sidewalk or throwing an object or liquid on the victims, while accomplices steal from them. Individuals have been lured by very young children to a location where they’re then robbed.

Criminals often pose as police officers and ask to examine the traveller’s belongings or ask the traveller to accompany them to a bogus police station, sometimes in collusion with a criminal posing as a taxi driver or another passenger.

In other cases, a criminal posing as a police officer intercepts the traveller interacting with an accomplice, who is posing as a tourist and carrying contraband material such as drugs. The “police officer” takes the traveller to a bogus police station set up by scam artists and seizes documents, debit cards and credit cards.

Under Bolivian law, there’s no obligation to go with an officer to a police station unless they have a formal written request from a judge with your name on it. Any search or seizure must occur at a genuine police station in the presence of the prosecutor.

Be cautious of strangers.

Remain alert to your surroundings at all times.

Dress casually, avoid wearing jewellery and carrying large sums of money, and keep cellphones, cameras and other electronic equipment out of sight.

Don’t travel alone, especially at night.

Kidnapping

“Express” kidnappings have occurred. In these abductions, criminals ask for small, immediate ransoms. The kidnappers usually force their victims to withdraw funds from an ATM or to arrange for family or friends to pay the ransom. This ploy is often used by criminal taxi drivers, who pick up the victim and then stop to pick up associates.

These kidnappings are committed by organized gangs and occur throughout the country, but most frequently in major cities such as Cochabamba,La PazandSanta Cruz, and when travelling between them.

Avoid the Copacabana–Desaguadero route after 2 p.m.

When travelling from Copacabana to La Paz, take direct buses to avoid transferring at the Desaguadero border crossingwith Peru.

Car theft

Vehicle and auto-parts theft is a problem throughout Bolivia.

Keep valuables in the trunk

Park your car in a supervised lot

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others

Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business

Medical scams

Carefully research medical clinics if you plan to travel to Bolivia for medical services. Canadians visiting Bolivia for surgical procedures have reported falling victim to scams by medical companies that insist on retaining passports as collateral. Once the procedure is complete, the company attempts to extort more money from the patient before returning their passport.

If your passport is inaccessible due to such a situation, you may receive limited passport services. You may also be subject to investigation by Passport Canada. Never hand over your passport to anyone.

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Sexual assaults occur periodically, including at clubs and hostels. Female travellers should be cautious when dealing with strangers and new acquaintances. Lock your room when you return to your hotel/hostel.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and labour strikes occur regularly, often with little or no notice. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Protesters have used dynamite during previous protests.

Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place

Roadblocks

Roadblocks are common, can be erected suddenly and can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. They have stranded travellers for several days. All roads in border areas, especially along the Bolivia–Peru border, and roads leading to international airports are particularly vulnerable to blockades.

Before departure, check with your airline to determine if there are delays or changes in flight schedules.

If you plan to take a road trip, review your travel plans to determine if they will be affected by demonstrations or civil unrest, take personal security measures and monitor media reports.

Take extra food, water, medicine and warm clothing as a precaution. Once a roadblock is in place, local authorities, officials and vendors will not be able to enter or exit the city to provide supplies to stranded travellers.

Don’t cross roadblocks, even if they appear unattended. This may aggravate the situation and lead to physical harm. Instead, consider taking an alternative safer route, or returning to your place of departure.

Water activities

Unknown bodies of water can be dangerous. Seek local advice on safe swimming locations. Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards.

Adventure tourism

There are no official minimum safety standards for tour operators. Safety features in vehicles and on small boats used in river and lake excursions are sometimes unreliable. Only participate in tours in Uyuni, jungle expeditions, boat trips, mountain biking and other adventure activities with well-established companies. Ensure that your travel insurance covers your recreational activities.

Trekking

Be vigilant when hiking in the areas surrounding La Paz, such as the Muela del Diablo, near Rurrenabaque in the Bolivian Andes, in Los Yungas and on the Inca trails. Criminals have targeted tourists in these areas.

There are no mountain rescue services in Bolivia.

If you intend to trek:

never do so alone and always hire an experienced guide from a reputable company

buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation

ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity

ensure that you’re properly equipped and well informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard

inform a family member or friend of your itinerary, including when you expect to be back to camp

know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal

obtain detailed information on trekking routes or ski slopes before setting out and do not venture off marked trails or slopes

Ayahuasca ceremonies

Spiritual cleansing and ayahuasca ceremonies, offered by shamans and other individuals, involve taking substances that can cause medical complications and can severely impair cognitive and physical abilities.

Exposure to these substances has led to serious illness, injury, assault and even the death of several tourists.

Ceremonies often take place in remote areas that have no access to medical or mental health facilities or resources and only limited communication with local authorities. Most of the time, the facilities lack basic first aid or emergency plans for those suffering from physical or psychological illness from these ceremonies.

Ayahuasca ceremonies are not regulated and there is no way to assess the safety of any of the services, the operators or the shamans.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout Bolivia. Although improved highways connect Cochabamba, La Paz, Santa Cruz and Sucre, many roads in Bolivia are unpaved. The old Yungas road is considered one of the world’s most dangerous roads.

Public transportation

Public transportation, including buses, trains, shared taxis and mini-buses, is unsafe. The level of crime is high in taxis, on buses and at transportation hubs. Violent crimes and armed robberies against foreigners also occur in the Santa Cruz bus/train terminal.

Use only tour buses operated by well-known companies for trips. If you have any doubt about the safety of a bus or its driver, refrain from using it.

Exercise caution in La Paz bus terminals, especially the one near the La Paz cemetery and the main bus terminal on Peru Avenue in Zona Norte.

Avoid Coronilla Hill, adjacent to the main bus terminal in Cochabamba, due to recent assaults.

Taxis

Most taxis are poorly maintained.

Avoid hailing taxis on the street. Instead, call radio taxi companies that are registered with authorities from a landline or from a hotel. Take note of the taxi’s registration and telephone numbers before you depart. Radio taxis are identifiable by the telephone number and name of the taxi company on the vehicle’s roof. Those registered with the mayor’s office should have a yellow sticker in one of their windows. This type of taxi should carry no other passengers.

Pay special attention when taking taxis to and from airports, particularly in Santa Cruz and La Paz, where bandits are known to rob tourists

Decline transportation from people offering cheaper fares

Never allow a stranger to share a taxi with you

Avoid taking motorcycle taxis

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Extensions of stay

If you’re a Canadian tourist wishing to stay for more than 30 days, you must apply at the General Directorate of Migration to obtain a tourist visa for another 30 days before the end of the first 30-day period. This extension can be obtained twice, at no extra cost and to a maximum of 90 days during one calendar year.

If you have overstayed the 90-day period without proper authorization, you may be fined upon departure.

Other entry/exit requirements

Make sure to retain the immigration card you receive upon arrival, as immigration officials will ask for it when you leave the country. Officials stamp it upon entry and departure from the country.

When arriving by land, ensure your passport receives an exit stamp from the country you’re leaving and an entry stamp from Bolivia. Failing to do so will result in being fined upon departure. Avoid travelling at night, when border officials and police may not be present.

Declare all your medications upon arrival and departure. Be prepared to show physician’s prescription(s) to immigration authorities.

Departure tax

You must pay an airport departure tax of US$25 when leaving Bolivia.

Children and travel

Travellers under 18 years old who are a citizen or resident of Bolivia, must present:

if travelling with both parents:

an original and photocopy of the minor’s long-form birth certificate

custody court documents, if applicable

if travelling with a single parent or a third party:

a travel permit from the Bolivian Ombudsman Department of Protection of Children. To obtain this permit, the parent or guardian must present:

original documents and copies of the minor’s long-form birth certificate

custody court documents, if applicable

written authorization from the parent not travelling

if travelling with a third party, in addition to the permit from the Ombudsman, the guardian must present:

proof of the parents’ identification

if a parent is deceased, a notarized copy of the death certificate in lieu of the written authorization.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.

There is currently a shortage of the yellow fever vaccine in Canada. It is important for travellers to contact a designated Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre well in advance of their trip to ensure that the vaccine is available.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

The risk of dengue is higher during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Leishmaniasis, cutaneous and mucosal

Cutaneous and mucosal leishmaniasis causes skin sores and ulcers. It is caused by a parasite spread through the bite of a female sandfly. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from sandfly bites, which typically occur after sunset in rural and forested areas and in some urban centres. There is no vaccine or medication to protect against leishmaniasis.

Zika virus infection

Zika virus infection is a risk in this country. Recent or ongoing cases of Zika virus have been reported in this country.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no vaccine against malaria.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider pre-treating clothing and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet.

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in South America, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Good health care is limited to private hospitals in larger cities. Public medical services and facilities don’t meet Canadian standards. There’s limited access to health facilities in rural areas. There’s very limited ambulance service in Bolivia.

Most clinics and hospitals in Bolivia accept payment in cash only. Clinics and hospitals may refuse to allow you to leave their premises before paying for services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive. You may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Medications

If you have a pre-existing medical condition and prescription medication, carry the physician’s prescription and a letter from a doctor describing the medical condition. If you bring prescription medicine with you, pack more than enough for the duration of your expected stay and make sure they are in their original containers.

Some prescribed medications are considered as narcotics in Bolivia. Consult the list of controlled substances to avoid trouble.

Laws & culture

If authorities imprison you, you may have to wait several years before sentencing.

Drugs

Bolivian drug laws include a zero tolerance policy. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Never transport luggage or packages on behalf of another person. Travellers have fallen victim to scams in which illegal drugs are hidden inside objects or luggage that an acquaintance has asked them to bring to Bolivia. Dating websites are reportedly a source of such scams.

Unlicensed bars

Unlicensed bars in Bolivia are illegal. They are known to sell drugs and should be avoided. Police may detain and question you if they raid the establishment, even if you’re not consuming any illegal substances.

Export

It’s illegal to export any item that the Bolivian government considers a national treasure, including:

pre-Columbian artifacts

historical paintings

items of Spanish colonial architecture and history

native textiles

flora, fauna and fossils

Any type of excavation for fossils or collection of fossils without prior written authorization is illegal.

Photographs

Be careful when travelling with cameras and communication devices, particularly in remote areas, as locals may find the presence of photographers intrusive. Ask for permission before you photograph people.

LGBTQ2 travellers

Bolivian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Homosexuality is increasingly socially accepted, but much of Bolivian society remains conservative.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Bolivia.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Bolivia, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Driving

You must carry an international driving permit to rent or drive a vehicle.

The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.00%. If the police suspect you of drinking and driving, they could confiscate your driver’s licence on the spot. If convicted, you can expect heavy fines and possible jail sentences.

If you’re involved in a traffic accident, remain at the scene until local police arrive. Attempting to leave the scene violates Bolivian law.

Money

Natural disasters & climate

Rainy Season

The rainy season extends from November to March.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged. In particular, the Uyuni Salt Flats become dangerous to navigate in the rainy season. Heavy rains may contribute to dangerous landslides.

If you decide to travel to Bolivia during the rainy season:

know that you expose yourself to serious risks

be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip

For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Bolivia, in La Paz, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Risk Levels

Exercise normal security precautions

There are no significant safety and security concerns. The overall safety and security situation is similar to that of Canada. You should take normal security precautions.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are identifiable safety and security concerns or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. You should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country may be compromised.

Avoid non-essential travel

There are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk. You should reconsider your need to travel to the country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should reconsider whether or not you really need to be there. If not, you should consider leaving while it is still safe to do so. It is up to you to decide what “non-essential travel” means, based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with a country, territory or region, and other factors.

Avoid all travel

There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.